By Ryan Bailey

0

21 Nov 2012 13:55:00

Stephen Rice signs a new deal as midfielder leaves Finland to rejoin Tallaght side as Trevor Croly's Hoops revolution continues

New Shamrock Rovers manager Trevor Croly continues to build his squad for the new Airtricity Premier Division season with the addition of Shane Robinson from FC Haka and the re-signing of Stephen Rice.

Robinson returns to the Hoops after spending two seasons in Finland, where he captained the side. The 31-year-old has previously had two spells with Rovers, and also spent time at Drogheda United in between.

After enjoying five years at the club from 1999 onwards, the midfielder joined Drogheda where he won the league title, FAI Cup and two Setanta Sports Cups before Michael O'Neill brought him to Tallaght in 2009. Robinson was released at the end of the 2009 season by Rovers and spent time in Australia playing with Stirling Lions before moving to Finland.

"It's a privilege to be coming back to Shamrock Rovers. When I left the last time, I would never have seen this happening. I enjoyed my time away but I'm looking forward to being back in the league and to working with Trevor again."

Meanwhile, experienced midfielder Stephen Rice becomes Croly’s seventh signing since taking the managerial post at Rovers. The 28-year-old is the club’s longest-serving player after joining from arch-rivals Bohemians in 2008.

Commenting on re-signing for the Hoops, Rice said: "As far as I was concerned I was never going anywhere else. Trevor spoke to me and told me I was part of his plans for next season and I was delighted to sign back up. I'm can't wait for the new season to get started, so we can put last year behind us and get back to successful ways."

The duo join Gary McCabe, Sean O’Connor, Mark Quigley, James Chambers and Jason McGuinness in joining the club for 2013.